Empty State in UX Design

Empty states in a design occur during user journeys when a product or app has nothing to display. This lack of data presents a great opportunity to add relevant content and greatly improve a user’s experience. Below are five tips in maximizing the empty state in your design.

Guide the User

Depending on the type of empty state screen a user sees, they can be used to help the user understand what to do next. For example, a to-do list app may display a prompt to add your first task, while a shopping app map encourage users to add items to their cart.

Provide Starter Content

This has the potential to ensure a user understands what is going on and what to do next. By populating what would otherwise be an empty screen, you present the user with an opportunity to begin using and learning your product immediately.

Use Suggestions

It is all toe easy for users to search for content that doesn’t exist within a product. Provide close matches or suggested alternatives. These results can in turn lead to a user finding what they are looking for.

Give Context

In the event a user transitions from a screen with content to an empty state without navigating away, be sure to provide context to the user on why this has happened. For example, a screen saying “Uh-oh! No internet connection, try again later!” will help the user understand.

Add Personality

Empty states often see brands trying to inject humor into their apps or products. Try to use approachable and friendly language that not only gets the message across, but also helps your brand feel more real.